Quetta Blasts: At least two people have been killed and over a dozen injured – including two soldiers of Frontier Corps (FC) – in a blast in Quetta today.
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According to reports in Pakistan Media, it was not immediately clear what caused the blast which took place near a vehicle of the security forces. However, the initial report indicates that a powerful roadside bomb (IED) was specifically targeted towards the security forces.
Hizbul Ahrar, an offshoot of the Pakistani Taliban, has reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack.
The casualties have been rushed to hospital where some of the injured are said to be in a critical condition. Law enforcement agencies have cordoned off the area as investigators search for forensic evidence.
Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal condemned the tragic incident. “Cowardly terrorists once again seek to upend peace in the city as well as the province,” he said, vowing that the establishment of lasting peace will be ensured. He said that those who had “targeted innocent civilians for such terror will be brought to justice”.
There were reports that terror attacks in Balochistan reduced by 33% this year compared to the statistics in 2018, according to details released by the home department. Earlier, Chief Minister Jam Kamal claimed that security challenges in Balochistan have reduced as the law enforcement agencies have defeated the elements inciting terrorism.
In 2019, 145 people including 75 security personnel were killed and 528 others were injured in 190 terrorist attacks including bombings, target killings and landmine blasts in the province. The martyrs included 43 Frontier Corps personnel, 21 policemen and 11 Levies personnel. In 2018, 313 people lost their lives and 609 were injured in 284 terrorist attacks in Balochistan.
